She followed Pierre with anxious looks; but she forbade herself to dispose of the youth: he did not belong to her.
This woman, at the age of thirty-five, still young in heart, was disturbed by feelings which she strove, but vainly, to rule.

She hid them especially from her husband, whose repining chattering she feared.
If she had once shown him her weakness he would have overwhelmed her daily with the burden of his regrets.

But an unforeseen circumstance placed her at Michel's mercy.
Winter had come, bringing December and its snow.

The weather this year was exceptionally inclement, and traffic in the streets was so difficult, business was almost suspended.

The mistress left her deserted offices and retired early to her private apartments.